Kitimat’s landfill could gain another four to five years of capacity after the District received a new provincial permit allowing it to expand the landfill specifically for construction and demolition waste.
The update came during Kitimat Council’s August 17 meeting as council approved a $5-million contribution from LNG Canada toward the development of an Eco-depot.
The District currently estimates there are about six years of landfill capacity remaining, making waste diversion a priority as Kitimat continues to see industrial and residential growth.
During the discussion, Councillor Mario Feldhoff asked staff about the District’s decision to separate construction and demolition waste from other landfill material and whether doing so would extend the landfill’s lifespan.
Staff confirmed the new provincial permit allows the District to expand the landfill for construction and demolition waste.
“We did get a new permit from the province that allowed us to expand the landfill for only construction demolition waste,” staff told council. “That means that we have an opportunity to extend the life of the landfill. Then probably we’re thinking it adds in another 4 to 5 years by doing this permit.”
Staff said the additional space is particularly important because construction and demolition waste makes up a significant portion of material coming from industry.
“Right now, at least 75 per cent of the waste that comes from industry is C and D related waste.”
The new landfill capacity comes alongside the District’s efforts to keep other types of waste out of the landfill.
Kitimat introduced four-stream curbside collection beginning in 2021, and the program has continued to increase the amount of material being diverted. Staff told council that, overall, approximately 60 per cent of material collected through the curbside program is being diverted, while 40 per cent goes into the active landfill.
According to the agenda, its expanded curbside program serves approximately 3,600 households in Kitimat and 200 households in Kitamaat Village, with an average diversion rate of 46 per cent across the program.
Council also heard that the District is looking at expanding recycling opportunities to apartment buildings and some strata properties. Those properties are not currently part of the curbside program, but staff are discussing a potential pilot program with Recycle BC for next year.
The planned Eco-depot is intended to further increase diversion by giving residents, businesses and industry a dedicated location to recycle, reuse and redistribute materials.
Council approved LNG Canada’s $5-million contribution toward the facility. The money is expected to be held by the District until the project can proceed, with construction currently anticipated in 2028.
Councillor Feldhoff welcomed the contribution and said it could allow the District to significantly expand its waste-management infrastructure.
“This is wonderful. This allows us to integrate, hopefully, the bottle depot, and maybe even expand upon that. There’s different possibilities where it might be located.”
The District says the Eco-depot could eventually provide services beyond traditional recycling, including sorting, segregation, reuse, resale, redistribution and environmental education.
The facility is expected to serve the District of Kitimat and Kitamaat Village, while also providing services for commercial and industrial users.
A location has not yet been selected. The next steps include determining a site, developing plans and a construction schedule, and identifying an operator.
The District says the Eco-depot will be designed to maximize waste diversion while supporting the local circular economy.
For now, the new construction and demolition waste area provides Kitimat with additional breathing room.
